Lemongrass long has been used as a natural insect repellent, particularly in combatting mosquitos, which carry the viruses responsible for dengue, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, elephantiasis and Zika.

The plant, native to Asia, contains citronella oil, which puts off a strong fragrance repulsive to bugs. The so-called “mosquito grass” can grow up to two meters tall and can be grown in planters that can be moved to various rooms.